§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
The word 'amenable' is an adjective, not a verb, which is an important distinction to make right from the start when discussing its usage in sentences. As an adjective, it describes a noun or pronoun. It signifies a willingness to be influenced or a susceptibility to something. Understanding its grammatical role is key to using it correctly.
§ Prepositions with 'Amenable'
When using 'amenable' to describe a person's willingness, it is almost always followed by the preposition 'to'. This preposition introduces the suggestion, authority, or influence that the person is willing to accept. For example, 'amenable to suggestions' or 'amenable to discipline'.
- Grammar Point
- When 'amenable' describes a person, it is typically followed by the preposition 'to'.
The new employee was amenable to constructive criticism, which greatly helped her improve quickly.
Despite the initial resistance, the committee proved amenable to the proposed changes after a thorough discussion.
When 'amenable' describes a situation or thing that is capable of being acted upon, it is also followed by the preposition 'to'. This 'to' introduces the process, treatment, or specific action that the thing is susceptible to. For instance, 'amenable to treatment' or 'amenable to analysis'.
- Grammar Point
- When 'amenable' describes a situation or thing, it is also followed by the preposition 'to'.
Certain types of skin conditions are more amenable to topical medications than others.
The complex data set was surprisingly amenable to statistical analysis, revealing clear trends.
§ Common Phrases and Structures
'Amenable' often appears in formal or semi-formal contexts. When describing people, it frequently highlights their positive qualities such as cooperativeness, openness, or flexibility. When describing things, it emphasizes their suitability for a particular course of action or investigation.
- Be amenable to: This is the most common structure, used for both people and things.
- Become amenable to: Indicates a change in attitude or susceptibility over time.
- Find someone/something amenable: Expresses an observation about a person's or thing's nature.
After several rounds of negotiation, the union leaders became more amenable to the new contract terms.
Researchers are hopeful they will find a type of cancer that is highly amenable to gene therapy.
While less common, you might occasionally encounter 'amenable' followed by 'for' in very specific contexts, especially when implying suitability for a purpose, though 'to' is almost always preferred and more grammatically sound. For instance, 'This fabric is not amenable *for* tailoring' is less common and less natural than 'This fabric is not amenable *to* tailoring.'
§ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using 'amenable' as a verb: As noted, it's an adjective. Do not say 'He amenables to my ideas.' Instead, say 'He is amenable to my ideas.'
- Incorrect prepositions: Using 'with,' 'by,' or 'at' instead of 'to' is a common error. Always double-check that you're using 'to'.
- Overusing the word: While a useful word, 'amenable' can sound overly formal if used too frequently. Consider synonyms like 'receptive,' 'open,' 'responsive,' or 'susceptible' where appropriate to vary your language.
Incorrect: The patient amenables well to the new treatment plan.
Correct: The patient is amenable to the new treatment plan.
By understanding that 'amenable' is an adjective and consistently using it with the preposition 'to', you can confidently incorporate this C1 level word into your vocabulary, enhancing the precision and sophistication of your communication.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
The word 'amenable' often pops up in various contexts, especially in professional and formal settings. Understanding where and how it's used can really help solidify its meaning in your mind.
§ In the Workplace
In a professional environment, 'amenable' is frequently used to describe individuals or groups who are cooperative and open to suggestions or changes. It’s a positive attribute to have, indicating flexibility and a willingness to work together. You might hear it in team meetings, performance reviews, or project discussions.
- Label
- When a manager is looking for a team member who can adapt to new strategies:
We need someone for this project who is amenable to working with diverse teams and adjusting to tight deadlines.
- Label
- During a negotiation:
The union representative seemed amenable to discussing a compromise on the new contract terms.
§ In Academic Settings
In schools and universities, 'amenable' can describe students, research subjects, or even academic theories. It implies a receptiveness to learning, new methodologies, or being influenced by study parameters. Professors might use it when discussing student engagement or the suitability of a topic for research.
- Label
- Describing a student's attitude:
Despite the initial challenges, the student proved amenable to feedback and showed significant improvement.
- Label
- Referring to a research topic:
This particular historical period is highly amenable to new interpretations given the recent discovery of primary sources.
§ In the News and Public Discourse
When you read news articles or listen to political commentary, 'amenable' often describes governments, organizations, or policies that are open to influence, negotiation, or change. It can also refer to situations or problems that are capable of being resolved or treated in a specific way. It's often used in discussions about diplomacy, legislation, and social issues.
- Label
- Reporting on international relations:
The new administration appears amenable to a peaceful resolution of the border dispute.
- Label
- Discussing public health policy:
Some chronic conditions are more amenable to dietary changes than others.
By observing how 'amenable' is used in these diverse contexts, you can see its core meaning of willingness to accept influence or capability of being acted upon. It's a versatile word that conveys a sense of flexibility and openness.
Context is Key: Pay attention to what or who is being described as 'amenable.' This will often clarify whether it refers to a person's attitude or a situation's susceptibility.
Positive Connotation: Generally, 'amenable' carries a positive or neutral connotation, implying a desirable quality of cooperation or adaptability.
Common Usage: Expect to encounter this word in formal writing and speech, particularly in reports, analyses, and discussions of policy or behavior.
近义词
反义词
自我测试 48 个问题
She is open to new thoughts.
The dog listens well.
He agrees with our idea.
Read this aloud:
I am amenable to your suggestion.
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-bul
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
She is amenable to change.
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-bul
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Are you amenable to helping?
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-bul
你说的：
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Which of these people would be considered amenable?
Amenable describes someone who is willing to accept suggestions or be influenced, so being open to new things fits this definition.
If a situation is amenable to change, what does that mean?
When a situation is amenable, it means it is capable of being acted upon or influenced in a particular way.
The manager found her team very ____ to the new project proposals.
If the manager found her team amenable, it means they were willing to accept or be influenced by the new project proposals.
A person who is amenable is usually easy to work with because they are cooperative.
Amenable implies a cooperative attitude, making someone easy to work with.
If a problem is not amenable to a simple solution, it means a simple solution will definitely fix it.
If a problem is not amenable to a simple solution, it means a simple solution is not capable of fixing it.
The new policy was not amenable to any modifications, meaning it could not be changed.
If something is not amenable to modifications, it means it is not capable of being changed.
Listen for how the team reacted to the suggestion of working more.
Pay attention to her attitude towards new suggestions.
Consider what happened with the car and its repairs.
Read this aloud:
Are you amenable to changing your plans for the weekend?
Focus: amenable
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Describe a time when you were amenable to a suggestion from a friend or colleague.
Focus: amenable, suggestion
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
What kind of projects are amenable to group work in your opinion?
Focus: amenable, opinion
你说的：
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Which of the following best describes someone who is amenable?
Amenable means willing to accept or be influenced by a suggestion, indicating an open and cooperative attitude.
The new regulations were ______ to change after the public outcry.
In this context, 'amenable' means capable of being acted upon or changed, fitting the idea that the regulations could be altered.
Which sentence uses 'amenable' correctly?
This sentence correctly uses 'amenable' to describe someone willing to accept suggestions.
If a person is amenable, they are likely to argue against any new proposals.
An amenable person is willing to accept or be influenced by suggestions, so they would likely be open to new proposals, not argue against them.
A situation that is amenable to improvement means it cannot be improved.
If a situation is amenable to improvement, it means it is capable of being improved, not that it cannot be.
Being amenable is generally considered a positive trait in a team member.
Someone who is amenable is cooperative and open to suggestions, which are positive qualities for a team member.
Listen for how the manager reacts to new ideas.
Pay attention to whether the treatment had a positive effect.
Consider if her colleagues were cooperative or resistant.
Read this aloud:
Are you amenable to working extra hours to meet the deadline?
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-buhl
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
The soil in this region is very amenable to growing a wide variety of crops.
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-buhl
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
I'm always amenable to trying new things, especially when it comes to food.
Focus: uh-MEE-nuh-buhl
你说的：
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Imagine you are a team leader trying to introduce a new, efficient workflow to your team. Some members are resistant to change. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) explaining how you would encourage them to be more amenable to the new process, highlighting the benefits.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
To encourage team members to be more amenable to the new workflow, I would clearly communicate the significant benefits, such as increased productivity and reduced workload. I'd actively listen to their concerns to understand their resistance, offering solutions and demonstrating how their cooperation will lead to better outcomes for everyone. Fostering an open-minded environment where questions are welcomed will help smooth the transition.
You are writing a review for a new software application. Describe a feature of the software that is 'amenable' to customization, explaining what makes it so and who would benefit from this flexibility. Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
One standout feature of this new software is its highly customizable interface, making it incredibly amenable to individual user preferences. Users can easily rearrange panels, choose color schemes, and even create custom shortcuts, which allows for a truly personalized experience. This flexibility greatly benefits power users and those with specific accessibility needs, as they can tailor the application to their exact requirements.
Your friend is asking for advice on how to become more 'amenable' to constructive criticism at work. Write a brief email (3-4 sentences) giving them tips on how to develop a more receptive attitude.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hi [Friend's Name], Regarding your question about being more amenable to constructive criticism, I'd suggest trying to view feedback as an opportunity for growth, not a personal attack. Listen actively without interrupting and ask clarifying questions to fully understand the perspective. Remember, a receptive attitude can significantly improve your professional development. Best of luck!
What is implied about the manager's team due to their 'amenable' nature?
Read this passage:
The new manager was known for his innovative ideas and his willingness to consider different approaches. He believed that a team thrives when its members are amenable to change and open to new suggestions. This philosophy fostered an environment where creativity flourished, and problems were often solved through collaborative effort rather than rigid adherence to old methods. His team quickly became one of the most successful in the company.
What is implied about the manager's team due to their 'amenable' nature?
The passage states that the manager believed the team thrives when its members are 'amenable to change and open to new suggestions,' which directly implies flexibility and adaptability.
The passage states that the manager believed the team thrives when its members are 'amenable to change and open to new suggestions,' which directly implies flexibility and adaptability.
What characteristic is most crucial for a material to be considered 'amenable' for rapid prototyping?
Read this passage:
Scientists are constantly searching for new materials that are amenable to rapid prototyping. Such materials must be easily moldable, quick to solidify, and capable of being modified without significant loss of structural integrity. The discovery of a truly amenable material could revolutionize industries ranging from manufacturing to medicine, enabling faster development cycles and more innovative designs.
What characteristic is most crucial for a material to be considered 'amenable' for rapid prototyping?
The passage defines amenable in this context as 'easily moldable, quick to solidify, and capable of being modified,' which highlights its responsiveness to manipulation and modification for prototyping.
The passage defines amenable in this context as 'easily moldable, quick to solidify, and capable of being modified,' which highlights its responsiveness to manipulation and modification for prototyping.
What was the main effect of the union representatives being 'amenable'?
Read this passage:
During the negotiation, the union representatives were surprisingly amenable to the company's proposals regarding flexible working hours. This willingness to compromise greatly accelerated the agreement process, as both sides found common ground on several key issues. The positive outcome was a testament to the open communication and mutual respect that characterized the discussions.
What was the main effect of the union representatives being 'amenable'?
The passage states that their 'willingness to compromise greatly accelerated the agreement process,' indicating that their amenable nature led to a faster resolution.
The passage states that their 'willingness to compromise greatly accelerated the agreement process,' indicating that their amenable nature led to a faster resolution.
The new manager proved highly __________ to innovative solutions, quickly adapting to the team's suggestions for process improvement.
'Amenable' is the best fit here as it describes someone willing to accept suggestions and adapt, which aligns with adopting innovative solutions and team suggestions.
Despite initial skepticism, the research project proved __________ to a novel statistical analysis, yielding groundbreaking results.
In this context, 'amenable' indicates that the project was capable of being acted upon by the analysis, leading to results. The other options suggest resistance.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of 'amenable' to describe a person?
'Amenable' describes a person willing to accept or be influenced by suggestions, which aligns perfectly with a politician open to compromise and feedback.
A situation described as 'amenable to change' implies that it is resistant to alteration.
If a situation is 'amenable to change,' it means it is capable of being influenced or acted upon in a particular way, hence it is open to alteration, not resistant.
If a patient is 'amenable to treatment,' it means they are unwilling to follow medical advice.
To be 'amenable to treatment' means a patient is receptive to and willing to comply with medical advice and procedures, not unwilling.
A jury that is 'amenable to persuasive arguments' is likely to be easily swayed by logical reasoning.
If a jury is 'amenable to persuasive arguments,' they are open and receptive to being influenced by such arguments, meaning they are likely to be swayed.
Focus on how the framework responded to interpretations.
Listen for the shift in the organization's attitude.
Consider what the research did not allow for.
Read this aloud:
The ancient text was amenable to multiple scholarly interpretations, each offering a unique perspective on its historical context.
Focus: amenable, multiple, scholarly, interpretations
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
His disposition, usually quite rigid, proved surprisingly amenable to constructive criticism, much to the team's delight.
Focus: disposition, rigid, amenable, constructive criticism
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
While the experimental method was initially deemed too radical, the scientific community ultimately found it amenable to rigorous peer review.
Focus: experimental, radical, amenable, rigorous, peer review
你说的：
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/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
例句
She was surprisingly amenable to my suggestion that we postpone the trip until next month.
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abstinence
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abtrudship
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abvolism
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acceptance
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